Skin cancer is often separated into two groups: melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. That’s because non-melanoma skin cancers rarely spread beyond the skin, making them easier to treat. Melanoma, on the other hand, is more likely to spread to other parts of the body. Although it’s less common than other types of skin cancer, melanoma is more dangerous and harder to cure.
There are two main types of non-melanoma skin cancers: basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These names refer to which layer of skin the cancer has formed. In this video, the most common treatments used for non-melanoma skin cancers.
Dr. Minkis is a dermatologist at Weill Cornell Medicine, an associate professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, and an associate attending dermatologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.
References
Aasi, S.Z. (2022). Treatment and prognosis of basal cell carcinoma at low risk of recurrence. UpToDate.
Aasi, S.Z., et al. (2024). Treatment and prognosis of low-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. UpToDate.
American Cancer Society. (2023). Non-surgical local treatments for basal and squamous cell skin cancers.
American Cancer Society. (n.d.). Treating basal and squamous cell skin cancer.
American Cancer Society. (2023). What are basal and squamous cell skin cancers?
National Cancer Institute. (2023). Skin cancer treatment (PDQR)-patient version.
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